Yarra Trams

News Archive

The Victorian Government has invested over $800 million on new trams and modern infrastructure to revitalise Melbourne's tram network. This includes 50 new state-of-the-art E-Class trams that will continue to be rolled out to the network. These new trams will release existing high capacity trams to operate on other routes.

Yarra Trams set a new record in 2014 for punctuality and continued to meet its service delivery targets, overcoming the challenges of extreme weather conditions, third party incidents and traffic congestion around major special events.

Tram passengers on Routes 1 and 8 will soon enjoy a brand new platform stop on Elgin Street, as part of an important infrastructure project delivered by Yarra Trams on behalf of Public Transport Victoria.

Melbourne’s next generation E-Class tram celebrates its first anniversary on Tuesday 4 November, with Melbourne Cup Day marking a successful 12 months of passenger service for the city’s ‘thoroughbred’ tram.

Melbourne's tram network achieved a punctuality result of over 82 percentage points during April for the first time in five years. It's another in a succession of record results. In the last year nine months have recorded their best punctuality since records have been kept.

Public Transport Victoria (PTV) and Yarra Trams are currently testing leading edge technology to deliver improved dynamic passenger information on Melbourne’s public transport network. It is a part of our joint commitment to deliver innovative information solutions for passengers.

As part of our Accessibility Action Plan, Yarra Trams is committed to increasing its engagement with the community. This will enable us to share Yarra Trams’ achievements and identify and discuss accessibility opportunities. To help us achieve this, Yarra Trams held its first update meeting with stakeholders on Thursday 27 February 2014.

The AFL season starts in earnest this week, but for many years men went to battle in their own version of the 'big' league as players in the Tramway Football Association. The league existed until the 1980s, but achieved peak importance in Melbourne's sporting landscape before the Second World War when match reports and results regularly featured in the daily newspapers.

As part of the modernisation of Melbourne’s tram network, Yarra Trams and Public Transport Victoria will be installing new curved safety kerbing along the tram tracks on Collins Street, between Spring and Spencer streets.

Managers from various Yarra Trams departments will be at the new accessible platform stop at Melbourne Central on Elizabeth Street from 8:00am to 10:00am on Friday 7 March to answer your questions and collect ideas to help improve the service for tram passengers.

In conjuction with work by Mirvac to build a driveway to 664 Collins Street, Yarra Trams and Public Transport Victoria will be improving access to Stop D14 on Collins Street, in front of Southern Cross Station.

Extreme hot weather from 14 to 17 January significantly affected service delivery during the month. If the average result of the previous four years had been achieved during this time Yarra Trams would have achieved a 99.25 per cent service delivery figure for January.

With extreme temperatures forecast this week, Yarra Trams has enacted its Hot Weather Plan. The plan includes deploying extra mobile response units and performing additional tram maintenance at depots during the night to try and keep trams running at the scheduled frequency throughout the hot weather.

Tram passengers and motorists are being reminded to adjust their travel plans between 8-24 January when Victoria Street bridge closes to allow Yarra Trams and Public Transport Victoria to upgrade tram tracks and carry out preliminary bridge strengthening work on behalf of VicRoads.

All major tram routes which run through the city will operate all night on Tuesday 31 December/Wednesday 1 January for New Year's Eve celebrations. Public transport will be free from 6pm Thursday night until the start of regular services on Friday.

Public Transport Victoria, Yarra Trams, Victoria Police and Melbourne City Council have acted to improve the safety of passengers and road users at and around the accessible tram stop on Flinders Street at Swanston Street.

Yarra Trams has teamed up with the Melbourne Festival and Arts Victoria to bring back Melbourne's popular "art trams".
The original Transporting Art project saw 36 iconic W-Class trams painted between 1978 and 1993, and eight new moving masterpieces will continue that tradition as they are unveiled across the next fortnight.

How popular would you be with your friends if you said you were taking 10 of them to the Royal Melbourne Show? Plus they would each receive over $100 in rides, food and showbags and a personal introduction with the Showtime FMX Freestyle Motocross stunt bikes?

Yarra Trams is aware of a technical issue that is making TramTRACKER® predictions for city bound Route 59 trams inaccurate.
Thanks to everyone who has contacted us through customer feedback or on Twitter to report the issue. We are working to resolve the issue as soon as possible.

As part of Public Transport Victoria’s $800 million tram procurement program, the Victorian Government has purchased 50 new low-floor trams. These next generation trams will run on one of Melbourne’s busiest tram lines, Route 96, by the end of the year.

The Public Transport Victoria website is currently offline due to an Optus disruption. Until the issue is rectified the Journey Planner and Timetable sections of yarratrams.com.au will be unavailable - as well as any other content linking to ptv.vic.gov.au

How long would it take to visit every tram stop in Melbourne? That's a question that Adham Fisher of Leicester, England is hoping to answer soon.
Having travelled throughout Europe and North America to ride transport systems, he is now aiming to use Yarra Trams for an attempt at the Mt. Everest of tram records - our network of more than 1700 stops.

Yarra Trams, on behalf of Public Transport Victoria, has commenced the removal of all Metcards ticketing equipment from Melbourne's tram fleet.
In order to prevent disruption to passenger services, the de-installation program will take place progressively until July 2013 with approximately 6 trams per day transformed.

The prospect of being run into by 30 charging rhinos is frightening enough to grab the attention of most people.
But almost 900 motorists in Melbourne each year ignore the risks, resulting in collisions with trams that can weigh as much as 30 rhinos.

Tram Sessions are the group who surprise tram travellers with live performances by local and international acts. Now, to celebrate their 50th sessions they've announce a 'Mass Jam' and a crowd funding campaign.

The transition to the myki ticketing system is to take a big step forward with the sale of Metcards on the rail network to cease during October.
Minister for Public Transport Terry Mulder recently agreed the final transition program with the Transport Ticketing Authority, which will see the Metcard ticketing system end in Melbourne on Friday, 28 December 2012.

How popular would you be with your friends if you said you were taking 10 of them to the Royal Melbourne Show? Plus they would each receive over $100 in rides, food and showbags and a personal introduction with the Showtime FMX Freestyle Motocross stunt bikes?

As part of the modernisation of Melbourne’s tram network, Yarra Trams is renewing the tram tracks in Chapel Street between Dandenong Road and Commercial/Malvern Road.
The work started on Saturday (25 August 2012) and is due to be completed by 5am on Wednesday (29 August 2012).

Game Masters: The Exhibition is currently showing at the Australian Centre for the Moving Image (ACMI) until 28 October 2012.
Featuring over 125 playable games, Game Masters: The Exhibition is ACMI's latest blockbuster exhibition, celebrating the work of the world's most innovative and influential videogame designers, including Peter Molyneux, Warren Spector, Tim Schafer, Hideo Kojima and more.

Our new radio ad introduces listeners to two Victorian breeds at risk of extinction.
In the style of the eminent broadcaster and naturalist, Sir David Attenborough, our intrepid explorer discovers that these endangered species are all over Melbourne.
But so is their biggest threat. And it weighs in at 30 tonnes!

A new accessible tram stop in Flemington Road at Boundary Road opened to passengers on Monday 30 July 2012.
The opening of Stop 22 provides the growing community of tram passengers with improved access to trams at this busy interchange with the Flemington Bridge train station.

Tram travellers enjoyed another chance to provide direct feedback to Yarra Trams at our Victoria Harbour Meet The Managers session on Tuesday 24 July.
Managers from across the business were available for two hours to take suggestions and feedback on the performance of our network, as well as answering common questions.

In response to media enquiries regarding a video of a tram driver posted on YouTube, Yarra Trams has issued the following statement:
Safety is the number one priority of Yarra Trams in operating Melbourne’s tram network.
Tram drivers are well aware of the rules relating to safety and we investigate all incidents that come to our attention.
Yarra Trams has launched an immediate investigation and will interview the tram driver.
This case will be dealt with in accordance with our disciplinary process.

As part of the modernisation of Melbourne’s tram network, Yarra Trams will be renewing the tram tracks in Chapel Street between Dandenong Road and Commercial/Malvern Road.
Sections of this tram track have not been replaced since 1974 and need to be renewed.
The planned works will deliver a better road surface for motorists and cyclists, a smoother ride for tram passengers, reduce tram noise associated with potholes and broken tracks and enhance the safety of Chapel Street for everyone.
Following extensive consultation with the City of Stonnington, the Chapel Street track renewal will be done from the early hours of Saturday 25 August to approximately 5am on Wednesday 29 August 2012.

WorkSafe Victoria has cleared Yarra Trams of any breach of the Occupational Health and Safety Act in relation to the operation of Citadis low floor trams.
A WorkSafe Improvement Notice relating to the rear vision cameras on these trams has now been removed.

Route 72 trams are diverting via Dandenong Road in both directions due to a road accident blocking tracks on Malvern Road.
Citybound trams will turn left into Malvern Road, then travel via Glenferrie Road to Dandenong Road where they will connect with St Kilda Road and rejoin the normal route.
Trams to Camberwell will continue past Commercial Road to Dandenong Road, turn left and then run to Glenferrie Road before turning right into Malvern Road and running as normal to Camberwell.

Passengers have the opportunity to meet Yarra Trams managers at Victoria Harbour Docklands on Tuesday 24 July.
Managers and key staff from various departments will be at the stop from 8:00am to 10:00am to answer your questions and collect ideas to help improve the service for tram passengers.
Stop D17 - Victoria Harbour is located at the intersection of Collins Street and Merchant Street in Docklands. Route 11 and Route 48 trams will run to the stop via Collins Street during the event. Route 70 trams also run nearby.

Trams are disrupted by a rally in Bourke Street. The following service changes currently apply:
Route 86 and Route 96 will operate via La Trobe Street in both directions between Spencer Street and the intersection of Victoria Parade and Nicholson Street.
A shuttle tram service will operate in Bourke Street terminating at Stop 7 Bourke and Russell Streets. There is no service between Stop 7 Bourke and Russell Streets, and Stop 11 Victoria Parade and Nicholson Street.
City Circle tram services will not operate between Stop 6 Flinders and Russell Streets, and Stop 10 Victoria Parade and Nicholson Street.

Yarra Trams reminds all motorists driving on Riversdale Road, Hawthorn and in surrounding areas, that there are road closures and detours in place until approximately 5am on Friday 6 July due to tram improvement works at the intersection of Power Street, Wallen Road and Riversdale Road.

A hundred of Melbourne's most iconic buildings will be open to the public for one weekend as part of Open House Melbourne 2012 on Saturday 28 and Sunday 29 July.
The fifth OHM is the biggest yet, with buildings across the CBD and Docklands, as well as Fitzroy, Collingwood and Essendon.
With most of the buildings accessible by public transport, trams are a great way to make the most of your Open House weekend. By travelling on myki you'll pay no more than $3.30 for a full fare daily ticket each day.
Along with your Metcard or myki, tramTRACKER and the Public Transport Victoria Journey Planner are also essential tools for a successful OHM weekend.
For more information visit openhousemelbourne.org

Melbourne Art Fair 2012 is the premier Fair and Exposition of contemporary art in the Asia Pacific, featuring over 80 national and international galleries from all states and territories of Australia, as well as from New Zealand, China, Hong Kong, Canada and Japan.
Held only every two years, you have a chance to be a part of this amazing Melbourne event. Enter the competition for your chance to win.

As Melbourne's heritage W Class fleet began to be replaced by newer vehicles in the mid 1970's, trams originally built by the Melbourne and Metropolitan Tramways Board started to find their way to other parts of the world.
Find out more about tram 482 and how it ended up on show to more than 1.7 million people.

From Sunday 22 April 2012, Yarra Trams has adjusted the timetables on 11 routes. The changes coincide with new timetables on parts of the train and bus networks aimed at better aligning public transport services and connections across the network.

Yarra Trams would like to thank customers for their patience with tram service alterations during the Australian Formula 1 Grand Prix.
The Sunday of the Grand Prix is Yarra Trams largest single special event day and the service changes required to deliver passengers to the race on the weekend are the most extensive of the year.
This year’s Grand Prix was the busiest for sometime and we recognise that moving tens of thousands of racegoers to the circuit requires changes that can affect regular travellers.

Following on from last year’s successful “Tram Faces for the GFA” campaign that raised more than $37,500 for the Royal Children’s Hospital Good Friday Appeal, Yarra Trams and 3AW are teaming up to again offer Melburnians the chance to have their face on the front of a tram.

Road closures during Swan Street and Punt Road tram track works
Yarra Trams will be renewing the tram tracks in Swan Street and Olympic Boulevard in Richmond this weekend (from 8pm tonight, Friday 24 February to the early hours of Monday 27 February 2012).
During these works, Swan Street will be closed between Cremorne Street and Punt Road.

Performers added a splash of colour to two new level access tram stops that opened today (20 February 2012) in High Street, Northcote.
The City of Darebin arranged for the Yellow Men to be “on duty” at the new “kerb outstand” tram stops outside the Northcote Social Club and the Town Hall.

Yarra Trams partners with a number of Melbourne's best known tourism operators and we're pleased to say that many of the attractions that we support have recently been recognised as leaders in their industry at the Victorian Tourism Awards.

Yarra Trams will observe one minute’s silence at 11am on Friday 11 November 2011 for Remembrance Day as a mark of respect for those who have died for or served Australia in all wars and armed conflicts.

International White Cane Day raises awareness of the issues of people with low vision, and as part of this year's event Vision Australia organised for a number of their low vision clients to visit Southbank tram depot and familiarise themselves with boarding and exiting trams.

The Minister for Public Transport Terry Mulder has congratulated Yarra Trams for meeting or exceeding all Customer Experience Performance Regime (CEPR) benchmarks as well as meeting punctuality and reliability targets every month since the start of the current tram franchise in December 2009.

Yarra Trams quirky Beware The Rhino pedestrian safety campaign is proving to be a big hit with over 2300 people 'liking' the Rhino on Facebook and more than 10,000 viewing the advertisement on YouTube.

On 9 July 2011, work will begin on tram track renewal and the construction of accessible platform stops on High Street, Westgarth. This is the first stage of the Route 86 – High Street and Plenty Road – tram track and road environment improvement works.

Yarra Trams continues to strive towards excellence in the provision of customer service, service frequency and passenger comfort.
The latest issue of Track Record demonstrates Yarra Trams efforts and results in these areas.

As part of the modernisation of Melbourne’s tram network, Yarra Trams will be replacing the tracks in Spencer St between Little Lonsdale St and Spencer St Bridge over the Easter and ANZAC Day long weekend (approximately 8pm Thursday 21 April to Wednesday 27 April).

Yarra Trams has launched a new tram network map.
It's the first in a series of new public transport maps that will make travel easier for passengers.
For the first time, the tram network map uses colour for different routes.

Over 100 Victorians will see themselves on the face of a tram thanks to Yarra Trams and 3AW's Neil Mitchell program.
The unique opportunity allowed passengers to put their face in the picture in return for a $250 donation to the Good Friday Appeal.

Yarra Trams and 3AW's Neil Mitchell program are giving Melburnians the unique opportunity to help the Royal Children's Hospital Good Friday Appeal by putting their name and face on the front of one of Melbourne's iconic trams.

During the 2011 Australian Formula One Grand Prix from Thursday 24 March to Sunday 27 March service changes will be in place for most tram routes which run through the city.
Tram replacement buses will operate in the city and Docklands area during the event.

Yarra Trams is proud to be providing Auslan signers for deaf movie buffs keen to attend a screening of Violet Tendencies at the Melbourne Queer Film Festival.
As part of Yarra Trams’ sponsorship of the Festival, the company has arranged for two signers to be located in a specially designated section of the ACMI Cinema throughout the screening.

As part of the modernisation of Melbourne’s tram network, Yarra Trams will be replacing tracks in Bridge Road and Church Street from the early hours of Saturday 12 March to approximately 5am on Tuesday 15 March.

A tram featuring the faces of people who have either been treated at the Royal Children's Hospital or helped support this amazing Melbourne institution was revealed today at the launch of the 2011 Good Friday Appeal.

As part of the modernisation of Melbourne’s tram network, Yarra Trams will be renewing the tram overhead cables at the intersection of Spencer and Bourke Sts (Melway ref: 1A – A5 ). These works need to be conducted prior to the renewal of tram tracks in Spencer St over the Easter/ANZAC Day long weekend (21 to 27 April).

"Stop and Shop". That was the theme of a New Year shopping promotion at Kew Junction sponsored for the first time by Yarra Trams.
The main prize of $5,000 worth of shopping vouchers was won by a delighted Lili-Ann Kriegler with the draw taking place at the Kew Festival.

As part of the modernisation of Melbourne’s tram network, Yarra Trams will be replacing the tracks in Bridge Road, Richmond between Punt Road and Wustemenn Place this weekend.
The works will run from the early hours of Saturday 26 February to approximately 5am on Monday 28 February.

Customers will once again have a chance to 'Meet the Managers' this Friday at the Queen Victoria Market tram stop.
One of Yarra Trams' core values is to 'think like a passenger' and the Meet the Managers events are a great opportunity for our Executive Leadership Team to hear suggestions directly from the travelling public.

As part of the modernisation of Melbourne’s tram network, Yarra Trams will be replacing the tracks in Church Street between the Yarra River bridge and Swan Street.
The works will be done in two stages from the early hours of Saturday morning to 5am on Monday:
• 19 February to 21 February – Yarra River bridge to Willis Street
• 5 March to 7 March - Willis Street to Swan Street

Kew Junction shopping precinct and Yarra Trams are giving one lucky passenger the chance to win $5000 worth of VIP offers at stores in the area.
Simply catch tram routes 24, 42, 48 or 109 to Kew Junction and make a purchase at participating retailers to enter in store. If you show a Metcard or myki when you enter you'll go into the draw a second time.
Winner drawn at 3pm on stage at the Kew Festival, 19 March 2011.
For more information visit Kew Junction

It's not just Melburnians who 'love their trams', one visiting rock star seems to think they're pretty good too. Chrissie Hynde of The Pretenders is touring Australia and was moved to write an open letter to our city. Here's what she had to say about public transport in Melbourne.

From Sunday October 24 Yarra Trams is boosting services on routes 19, 55, 57, 59 and 82 as well as reintroducing the route 31 city shuttle service. In total passengers will enjoy 480 new services across the network.

Due to a truck stuck under the bridge at the intersection of Flinders and Spencer Streets, trams on Routes 48, 70, 75, 96, 109, 112 and City Circle will be disrupted this afternoon, Friday 8 October 2010.

Yarra Trams is proud to support the 2010 Artists for Kids Culture annual art exhibition and auction. This annual fundraiser helps Artists for Kids' Culture create opportunities for children living in financially and socially disadvantaged environments to enjoy enriching and inspiring lives.

Travel on all public transport services in Zones 1 and 2 will be free on Friday 30 July 2010 due to Tuesday’s train power outage that caused widespread disruptions for people travelling to work and school.

From Sunday 11 July a new DDA (Disability and Discrimination Act 1992) compliant platform stop will open at the intersection of Union Street (stop 29). The new platform will replace the previously existing Union Street stop.

Internal and independent investigations are underway into the cause of today’s tram to tram collision at Southbank Depot.
A tram on Route 109 from Port Melbourne collided with an A class tram at the entrance to the depot at 10:36am.

Over the coming weeks Yarra Trams will be managing the construction of three new sets of DDA (Disability and Discrimination Act 1992) compliant platform tram stops along St Kilda Road as part of the Think Tram program.

The State Government’s decision to introduce clearway changes, and enforce them, is the right move to tackle Melbourne’s frustrating congestion problems and keep traffic moving, says the Road Users Collaborative (RUC).

Tram services have now resumed on Flinders Street and Spencer Street after the earlier disruption caused by the semi-trailer overturning at the railway viaduct at the intersection of Flinders and Spencer Streets.

Yarra Trams and the Melbourne Fringe Festival are winners of the Australian Business Arts Foundation 2009 Awards. The two organisations were awarded the Marsh Partnering Award in Victoria for their efforts in bringing the “K2TOG” (Knit Together) project to the streets of Melbourne during the Fringe Festival.

Due to a power outage, trams on Route 72 are not running on Commercial Road or Malvern Road between St Kilda Road and Glenferrie Road. Route 72 is diverting via Glenferrie Road, Dandenong Road and St Kilda Road.

Due to a power outage at Stop 60 (Glenhuntly Station, Glenhuntly) there is a tram replacement bus service operating between Stop 61 and Stop 68 (Koornang Road and Truganini Road, Carnegie) in both directions this morning, Thursday 16 July 2009.

A group of Yarra Trams employees who help to ensure the safety and efficiency of Melbourne’s tram network have achieved their own safety milestone.
The Power and Communications team has recorded an outstanding 10 years with no lost time injuries.

Due to a truck damaging overhead wires at the Glenferrie Station Rail Bridge Stop 74 (Glen Arcade/Glenferrie Road) there are no trams operating between Stop 73 (Burwood Road/Glenferrie Road) and Stop 80 (Cotham Road/Glenferrie Road) on Route 16 (Melbourne University to Kew) this evening Tuesday 16 June 2009.

Yarra Trams will be doing track works at the intersection of Spring Street and Collins Street and on Macarthur /Gisborne Street between Spring Street and Albert Street over the Queen’s Birthday long weekend.

The City Circle Tram provides a free and convenient way for visitors to see the sights of Melbourne.
From Saturday 30 May 2009, the City Circle route has been extended to take in the popular NewQuay and Waterfront City precincts of the Melbourne Docklands.

As part of the modernisation of the Melbourne tram network, Yarra Trams will be renewing the tracks in Toorak Road between St Georges Road and Power Avenue, Toorak and at the intersection of Hawthorn and Glenhuntly Roads, Caulfield South over the Easter long weekend.

The opening of a new platform tram stop in Melbourne’s Arts Precinct marks the completion of stage one of the St Kilda Road tram improvement strategy. Yarra Trams has provided coffee, muffins and musical entertainment to tram commuters using the new stop this morning.

Congratulations to the Wallabies in their 18 – 12 thrilling victory over Ireland in the Rugby Series Test played at the Telstra Dome in Melbourne on Saturday night.
Perhaps their preparation for the game was boosted by the tram scrum they took part in before the game.

Mother and daughter tram drivers, Tumua and Belinda from Yarra Trams Glenhuntly Depot, had a special Mother’s Day this year because Belinda has six month old twins Lucas and Christian (future tram drivers?) to help them celebrate.

Yarra Trams has introduced Melbourne’s first wind-powered tram in partnership with leading Australian renewable energy company Pacific Hydro and Victoria’s primary agency on climate change, Sustainability Victoria.

Tram services on St Kilda Road will soon be more reliable, safe and accessible than ever before thanks to a new strategy to improve tram infrastructure on the iconic Melbourne Boulevard, Minister for Public Transport Lynne Kosky announced today.

The Brumby Government will boost Melbourne’s busiest tram route with five new trams under a unique international lease arrangement with France, Minister for Public Transport, Lynne Kosky, announced today.

Minister for Public Transport, Lynne Kosky, today announced three new platform tram stops on Bourke Street would open tomorrow, making services more accessible and convenient for people travelling in the city.

Yarra Trams is encouraging anyone who may have been injured in the tram collision on 24 September 2009 at the corner of St Kilda Road and Leopold Street (heading towards Melbourne University) to register their complaint by calling Customer Feedback on 1800 800 166.

South Melbourne is one of the most popular destinations on the Yarra Trams network. Routes 1, 96 and 112 carry thousands of passengers a year to shop and play in the exciting Clarendon Street and South Melbourne Market districts.

In an exciting partnership between Yarra Trams and the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra, Melburnians and tourists can ride the MSO City Circle Tram to be launched by the Minister for Public Transport and the Arts, Lynne Kosky, on Wednesday 1 August.

Comedy for the Kids, now in its second year, is a Good Friday Appeal fundraising event organised by Yarra Trams in conjunction with The Comics Lounge. The Comics lounge support the event by donating their venue and the night includes a line up of well known Comedians who volunteer their time in order to raise money for the kids.

Thank you to everyone who entered the Yarra Trams Valentine's Day competition.
We received an overwhelming number of fantastic entries and have been thoroughly impressed with both their variety and creativity.

During the FINA World Championships Yarra Trams will be running shuttle trams on Route 70 and 112 for 2 hours before and 1 hour after each championship session. All FINA Championship ticket holders are entitled to free travel on these shuttle services.

Yarra Trams will observe one minute's silence at 11am on Remembrance Day (Saturday 11 November 2006) as a mark of respect for those who have died for or served Australia in all wars and armed conflicts.

On Melbourne Cup Day, Tuesday 7 November, trams will operate to the Saturday timetable except that the last services will leave the city around 12.30am (last trams approximately the same as the Monday to Thursday timetable).

Harbour Esplanade at the Docklands came alive in a flurry of activity to mark the centenary of continuous electric tram service in Melbourne on Sunday 8 October. Tram It 2006 drew crowds of more than six thousand people throughout an afternoon that brought together historical displays, uniforms from the past century, face painting, roving entertainment, and - of course - Harry the Wombat.

Parliamentary Secretary for Infrastructure, Mr Carlo Carli and the Member for Richmond, Richard Wynne, today launched an innovative project to help make motorists aware of part time designated tram lanes.

Victoria’s public transport operators have made significant achievements during the past six years, laying a strong groundwork for a better public transport system into the future, Transport Minister Peter Batchelor said today

The $9 million demolition of the Flinders Street Overpass, one of Melbourne's worst eyesores, would breathe new life into a once neglected corner of the city, the Minister for Major Projects, John Lenders, said today at an event to mark the project's completion.

As part of the State Government’s Think Tram program, a platform tram stop is being installed outside the main entrance to Southern Cross Station (formerly Spencer Street Station) in Spencer Street, north of Collins Street.

An international consortium of transport and technology specialists, Kamco, has been selected to work in partnership with the State Government to develop Victoria's next generation of public transport ticketing.

The removal of the Flinders Street overpass is a State Government project in consultation with the City of Melbourne to revitalise the western end of Flinders Street. The project involves the demolition of the overpass and construction of a new intersection at King and Flinders Streets.

On Anzac Day, Monday 25 April 2005, Yarra Trams will operate to a Sunday timetable with weekday starting times for the first service and with a half hourly service until the normal until service begins.

Tennis fans heading to Melbourne Park for the Australian Open will be able to travel free on special Yarra Trams shuttle services operating along Flinders Street thanks to a sponsorship deal with Tennis Australia.

Yarra Trams wishes to advise that due to construction for an upgrade of the Melbourne University tram terminus, the following temporary tram service changes will apply from first tram Saturday 8 January to last tram Thursday 20 January 2005.

On behalf of Melbourne's Public Transport operators, Connex, Yarra Trams and local bus companies, and their staff, Metlink is announcing a donation of $60,000 to World Vision to assist victims of the Asian earthquake and tsunami.

In response to an inquiry from The Age, based on information provided by the State Opposition, Yarra Trams confirms that tram cancellations during the September quarter remained well under half a per cent. This was also the case during the previous quarter.

The next generation of ticketing to be used by Victoria's public transport passengers will be based on a re-usable Smartcard that works across the metropolitan and regional bus, train and tram networks.

Yarra Trams is offering free movie tickets as a bonus to public transport users.
As a major partner of the 53rd Melbourne International Film Festival, Yarra Trams has organised an exclusive two for one ticket offer.

Yarra Trams will observe one minute’s silence at 11am on Remembrance Day (Thursday 11 November 2004) as a mark of respect for those who have died for or served Australia in all wars and armed conflicts.

Short Trip x 10 Metcards will not be valid for use on Melbourneýs public transport network from 1 May 2004, but unused trips can be exchanged for other tickets or refunds, Metlink Chief Executive Officer, Mr Bernie Carolan, advised today.

''Absolutely awesome,'' was Linda Patchings reaction to the news from Yarra Trams that the is due for completion at the end of this year.
As President of the Docklands Chamber of Commerce, Linda welcomes the new tram service as a benefit to residents, businesses and visitors.

The Bracks Government today awarded a $22.9 million contract to Thiess Pty Ltd, to deliver the design and construction elements of the Vermont South Tram Extension project, a major transport initiative for Melbourneýs eastern suburbs.

Yarra Trams will finalise its $3 million track replacement project on Collins Street this weekend.
Stage three of this essential network maintenance will take place on Collins Street between Queen and Swanston Streets from 4am on Saturday 10 July to 5am on Monday 12 July 2004.

The Chief Executive Officer of Yarra Trams, Mr Hubert Guyot, has welcomed today's announcement by the Lord Mayor of the City of Melbourne, Cr John So, for a planned upgrade of the Bourke Street Mall ahead of the 2006 Commonwealth Games.

Travel on public transport will be much cheaper for hundreds of thousands of low-income earners and tertiary students under reforms to travel concession arrangements announced today by Transport Minister Peter Batchelor.

Yarra Trams wishes to advise that due to the ANZAC Day Parade along Swanston Walk and St Kilda Road to the Shrine of Remembrance all M.C.G. football trams on Flinders Street will depart EAST of Swanston Walk on Sunday.

A firm commitment to higher levels of customer service, reduced journey times, cleaner trams and better information is what all passengers in Melbourne can expect from today, according to the Chief Executive Officer of Yarra Trams, Mr Hubert Guyot.

Special early morning tram services will operate on Swanston Walk, St Kilda Road and Elizabeth Street routes on ANZAC Day. These trams will depart each suburban terminus as below and travel direct to the Shrine of Remembrance for the Dawn Service.

Interim Victoria Police statistics have revealed the state is on track for a massive drop in crime in and around public transport, the Minister for Police and Emergency Services, Andre Haermeyer, and the Minister for Transport, Peter Batchelor, announced today.

''As part of the preparations for bringing Melbourne's two tram businesses back together under the management of one company from 18th April 2004, a small number of positions have sadly become redundant.

Passengers are advised of the following changes to scheduled tram services due to the 2004 Foster's Australian Grand Prix at Albert Park. Please note most Yarra Trams services east of Spencer Street will operate according to the SATURDAY timetable on Sunday 7th March.

Melbourne's newest tram Superstop has opened in Collins Street, conveniently located between King & Spencer Streets. It is the 16th location on the Yarra Trams network where wheelchair and mobility-impaired passengers can access the low-floor Citadis trams which operate along route 109 between Port Melbourne and Box Hill Central.

New partnership agreements between the State Government and Melbourne's public transport companies, Yarra Trams and Connex, will deliver stability and improved services to customers, the Premier, Steve Bracks, said today.

Residents living and working in Melbourne's new waterfront development will have public transport services at their doorstep with the extension of tramlines into Docklands Drive, the Minister for Transport, Peter Batchelor announced today.

Tennis fans arriving by train and bus at Spencer Street Station from regional Victoria and interstate next week will be able to travel for free on route 70 trams to get to the Australian Open at Melbourne Park, thanks to a landmark deal between Tennis Australia and Yarra Trams.

Tennis fans heading to Melbourne Park next week to witness the world??s best players compete for Grand Slam glory will be able to travel FREE on special Yarra Trams shuttle services operating along Flinders Street thanks to a landmark sponsorship deal with Tennis Australia, organisers of the Australian Open.

Yarra Trams services on all routes will return to normal weekday timetables from Monday 12th January 2004. This coincides with the traditional end of the holiday season in Melbourne as thousands of daily commuters return to work after the Christmas and New Year break.

On 1st January 2004 new prices for Metcard tickets for public transport in Melbourne came into effect. As well some new Metcard products were introduced and a number were permanently withdrawn from sale.

Yarra Trams wishes to advise passengers that east bound stop 7 at the corner of Flinders & Exhibition Streets, outside the former Herald & Weekly Times building, will be temporarily closed as from Saturday 15th November 2003.

As part of it's commitment to providing access-for-all on Melbourne's modern tram system, the Chief Executive Officer of Yarra Trams, Mr Hubert Guyot, today unveiled two new initiatives for wheelchair passengers.

Yarra Trams advises passengers that all tram services will stop for one minute at 11.00am on Tuesday 11th November 2003 to remember those who have died or suffered for Australia in all wars and armed conflicts.

Statement from Mr Hubert Guyot, Chief Executive Officer of Yarra Trams.
''Yarra Trams has not decided to end itýs association with a long-time local institution, the Melbourne Tramways Band. In fact, no final decision has been made.

The Chief Executive Officer of Yarra Trams, Mr Hubert Guyot, today welcomed the announcement by the Minister for Transport, The Hon. Peter Batchelor MP, of major and consistent operational and legislative improvements for Melbourne's public transport system.

The latest independent quarterly survey of Yarra Trams passengers has revealed overall satisfaction with the company's services has risen to a record 75 CSI (Customer Service Index) - the highest ever since the survey began in 1998.

Yarra Trams is urging all passengers involved in yesterday morning's
collision to contact them for the purpose of assisting in the investigation
of the incident and providing the company with information about their
well-being.

Mr Hubert Guyot, the Chief Executive Officer of Yarra Trams, has been admitted as Chevalier de L'Ordre National du Merite (Knight of the National Order of Merit) at a ceremony in Paris attended by the Australian Ambassador to France, Mr William Fisher, and the London-based Agent-General for Victoria, Mr Peter Hansen.

The W-class tram is an internationally recognised symbol of Melbourne, and Yarra Trams is committed to their re-introduction, the Chief Executive Officer of Yarra Trams, Mr Hubert Guyot, confirmed today.

Increased traffic congestion, particularly during peak hour, and the lack of a network-wide priority system to separate trams from motor traffic, are the two major contributors to the continuing fall in punctuality figures for Yarra Trams.

Yarra Trams has developed a Short Trip Brochure clearly detailing the most effective use of the Short Trip Ticket. The brochure features each tram route broken into sections, and demonstrates where passengers can board and disembark when using the Short Trip Ticket. The Short Trip Brochure is available on board trams.

Yarra Trams is a proud sponsor of the Melbourne Comedy Festival 2003.
Beginning on Thursday, 27th March, the Comedy Festival takes place at various locations around the city, including the Town Hall, the CUB Malthouse and La Mama.

Catch public transport to the Grand Prix and you'll save time and money, Transport Minister Peter Batchelor said today as he unveiled the public transport options available for the 2003 Australian Grand Prix from March 6 to 9.

Another striking example of high tech light rail will be glimpsed in the streets of Melbourne during the coming week with a state of the art Bombardier Eurotram making its debut. Demonstrated by Bombardier Transportation, this vehicle will operate a free shuttle service in Flinders Street during the week of 20th January, running to Wellington Parade providing passengers with access to the Australian Open at Jolimont via the pedestrian bridge through the MCG car park.

The Minister for Transport, Peter Batchelor, reopened Yarra Trams new triple track tram interchange on Victoria Parade at Brunswick Street this morning, also unveiling a new name for the rejuvenated stop.

Yarra Trams staff will be handing out free flowers to all Mums in the city today. Tram Attendants will hand out the flowers on board trams and at the Yarra Trams Superstops on Collins Street at Swanston and Spring Streets.

Tram and Yarra Trams recorded 352,318 customer journeys over the four days of the Grand Prix, with 117,202 trips recorded on Sunday alone. This figure was slightly down on last year with the weather expected to have caused some fans to alter their travel plans.

Melburnians can now park all day at Melbourne Park and receive an all-day city tram ticket for just $8.50.
The Park+Ride initiative, introduced by Yarra Trams in 2000, offers motorists a cheap alternative to city parking, with fast and frequent tram services linking them to stops throughout the CBD.

CUB, through its Carlton Draught brand, and the Australian Football League (AFL) today announced a landmark sponsorship agreement with Yarra Trams, enabling free public transport for fans to this year's 2001 AFL Grand Final at the MCG.

Yarra Trams' highly anticipated low floor trams have arrived safely in Melbourne. The trams left La Rochelle, France, on 5th June and were unloaded at Port Melbourne dock on Friday and Saturday, 10th and 11th August.

Yarra Trams is celebrating 45 years of service for Tram Driver Lenny Bates, the longest serving Driver in the company. He has also received more commendations and letters of compliment than any other Driver across the network.

A meeting of Yarra Trams, the City of Port Phillip and the Acland Street Precinct Traders Association Committee voted on Wednesday night to cancel the third Acland Street Car Free Sunday trial for 25th March 2001.

Yarra Trams joins in the celebration of a 'Car Free Sunday' in Acland Street.
An initiative by Yarra Trams with the endorsement of the City of Port Phillip and the Acland Street Precinct Traders Association, Car Free Sundays is a trial that will take place on three Sundays in March.

Yarra Trams endorses the Strip
It’s big, it’s orange and it’s a little bit naughty. It is Yarra Trams orange tram promoting the use of public transport to one of Melbourne’s coolest precincts, the Acland Street Precinct.

Yarra Trams supports the call made by the mayor of the City of Port Phillip, Julian Hill, for greater access to public transport.
The City of Port Phillip has to cope with large traffic and parking problems but improving the public transport infrastructure will provide a real alternative for people seeking to travel in the area.

World Economic Forum - Trams still move MelbourneDespite roving city protests, street closures and blockades, Yarra Trams still managed to record over 150,000 passenger trips per day throughout its network of nine routes.

Yarra Trams 23 W Class trams will only return back into service on the City Circle and route 12 after approval by the Government’s General Manager Safety and Technical Services despite successfully passing all tests yesterday.

Yarra Trams is introducing a new timetable for route 86, Bundoora/RMIT to Colonial Stadium, on Sunday 26th March 2000. Not only does it offer improved regular services on route 86 but it also extends the service to Colonial Stadium Gate 6, in the Docklands precinct.

As a major sponsor, Yarra Trams is proud to be part of the Kew Festival.
The Festival, organised by the City of Boroondara and the Kew Festival Committee, will run from March 18 –26 and will present a variety of great food and entertainment for all.